U.S. patent number 6,694,567 [Application Number 10/222,502] was granted by the patent office on 2004-02-24 for full overlay hinge.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Grass America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Todd Booker, Georg Domenig, Manfred Peer.
United States Patent |
6,694,567 |
Domenig , et al. |
February 24, 2004 |
Full overlay hinge
Abstract
This invention relates to hinges for mounting a door on a
furniture article frame. The hinges include at least a hinge cup
member adapted to be affixed to the furniture door, a top hinge arm
segment pivotably connected to the hinge cup member and comprising
a top elongated aperture and two tabs, and an L-shaped hinge arm
segment comprising at least a circular aperture, a center hole and
two grooves. A base hinge arm segment comprising an elongated
center hole, a circular aperture and an upper flange may also be
used with the top hinge arm segment and the L-shaped hinge arm
segment to allow adjustments to be made in a third direction. In
some embodiments, turning a cam or eccentric screw allows
adjustments to be made horizontally from side-to-side so that the
desired spacing of the door from opposite sides of the door opening
can be set. In some embodiments, turning a cam or eccentric screw
allows adjustments to be made horizontally in-and-out so that the
desired alignment of the door with the front face of the furniture
article frame can be set. Finally, in some embodiments, vertical
adjustments can also be made by loosening a fastening screw so that
the desired spacing from the top and bottom of the door opening can
be set.
Inventors: |
Domenig; Georg (Kernersville,
NC), Peer; Manfred (Walkertown, NC), Booker; Todd
(Garner, NC) |
Assignee: |
Grass America, Inc.
(Kernersville, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
29400901 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/222,502 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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186444 |
Jul 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
16/238; 16/242;
16/382 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05D
7/0415 (20130101); E05D 5/08 (20130101); E05D
11/1021 (20130101); E05F 1/1215 (20130101); E05Y
2900/20 (20130101); Y10T 16/53225 (20150115); Y10T
16/53257 (20150115); Y10T 16/5324 (20150115); Y10T
16/554 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
E05D
7/04 (20060101); E05F 1/12 (20060101); E05D
5/08 (20060101); E05D 11/00 (20060101); E05F
1/00 (20060101); E05D 11/10 (20060101); E05D
5/00 (20060101); E05D 007/04 (); E05D 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;16/238,242,246,235-237,265,382 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2000-104446 |
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Apr 2000 |
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JP |
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WO 01/84261 |
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Nov 2001 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Mah; Chuck Y.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harrington; John M. Kilpatrick
Stockton LLP
Parent Case Text
This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/186,444 filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which
is herein incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hinge for mounting a door on a furniture article frame for
movement between open and closed positions of the door relative to
the furniture article frame, comprising: a hinge cup member adapted
to be affixed to the door; a top hinge arm segment pivotably
connected at its arm end to the hinge cup member and comprising an
elongated aperture and two tabs; an L-shaped hinge arm segment
comprising a center hole, a circular aperture, an elongated
aperture and two side members comprising circular apertures; a base
hinge arm segment comprising an elongated center hole, a circular
aperture, an upper flange, two side flanges comprising elongated
holes and being adapted to be fastened on the furniture article
frame by at least one mounting screw inserted through the base
elongated center hole; a first cam screw; a second cam screw; and a
pin; wherein the top hinge arm segment is pivotably connected to
the hinge cup member on a first pivot axis, the top hinge arm
segment is slideably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment
with a first cam screw, the base hinge arm segment is slideably
connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment by a second cam screw
cooperating with the elongated aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment and the circular aperture in the base hinge arm segment;
wherein the base elongated center hole allows vertical adjustments
to be made in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis of the
hinge; wherein the pin slideably connects the L-shaped hinge arm
segment to the base hinge arm segment; wherein turning the first
cam screw causes the top hinge arm segment to move relative to the
L-shaped hinge arm segment in a horizontally side to side direction
perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the hinge; and wherein
turning the second cam screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment
to move relative to the base hinge arm segment in a horizontal
direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the hinge.
2. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the base elongated center hole is
elongated in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis of the
hinge and is adapted to allow the base hinge arm segment to be
displaced relative to the furniture article frame in a direction
parallel to the first pivot axis of the hinge by loosening the
mounting screw.
3. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first cam screw is rotatable
about a central axis thereof, wherein a projection extends from one
end of the first cam screw parallel to the central axis thereof,
and wherein the projection is radially offset from the central axis
of the first cam screw.
4. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the second cam screw is rotatable
about a central axis thereof, wherein a projection extends from one
end of the second cam screw parallel to the central axis thereof,
and wherein the projection is radially offset from the central axis
of the second cam screw.
5. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the top hinge arm segment is
slideably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment by sliding
the top hinge arm segment between a set of flaps protruding from
the L-shaped hinge arm segment.
6. The hinge of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top hinge arm
segment, the L-shaped hinge arm segment and base hinge arm segment
further comprise opposing lateral edges and a pair of opposing side
members depending therefrom to define a channel for receiving the
another hinge arm segment.
7. The hinge of claim 6, wherein at least one more of the top hinge
arm segment, the L-shaped hinge arm segment and base hinge arm
segment further comprise opposing lateral edges and a pair of
opposing side members depending therefrom to define a channel for
inserting into the channel of another hinge arm segment.
8. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the base hinge arm segment further
comprises a pair of back legs that rest against a back side of the
furniture article frame and a pair of front legs that rest against
a front side of the furniture article frame to ensure that the base
hinge arm segment remains stable and in position once the door is
attached to the hinge.
9. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the elongated holes on the side
flanges of the base hinge arm segment are open to one end of their
respective opposing side member.
10. A hinge for mounting a door on a furniture article frame for
movement between open and closed positions of the door relative to
the furniture article frame, comprising: a hinge cup member adapted
to be affixed to the door; a top hinge arm segment pivotably
connected at its arm end to the hinge cup member and comprising an
elongated aperture and two tabs; an L-shaped hinge arm segment
comprising a center hole, a circular aperture with two slots
positioned adjacent to said circular aperture, an elongated
aperture and two side members comprising circular apertures; an
intermediate hinge arm segment comprising a circular aperture and
two retaining ledges; a base hinge arm segment comprising an
elongated center hole, a circular aperture, an upper flange and two
side flanges comprising elongated holes, and the base hinge arm
segment being adapted to be fastened on the furniture article frame
by at least one mounting screw inserted through the base elongated
center hole; a first cam screw; a second cam screw; and a pin;
wherein the top hinge arm segment is pivotably connected to the
hinge cup member on a first pivot axis, the intermediate hinge arm
segment is positioned on the L-shaped hinge arm segment such that
the two retaining ledges of the intermediate hinge arm segment
protrude through the two slots, the top hinge arm segment is
slideably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment and the
intermediate hinge arm segment via the retaining ledges and secured
with a first cam screw, the base hinge arm segment is slideably
connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment by a second cam screw
cooperating with the elongated aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment and the circular aperture in the base hinge arm segment;
wherein the base elongated center hole allows vertical adjustments
to be made in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis of the
hinge; wherein the pin slideably connects the L-shaped hinge arm
segment to the base hinge arm segment; wherein turning the first
cam screw causes the top hinge arm segment to move relative to the
L-shaped hinge arm segment in a horizontally side to side direction
perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the hinge; and wherein
turning the second cam screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment
to move relative to the base hinge arm segment in a horizontal
direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the hinge.
11. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the base elongated center hole
is elongated in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis of the
hinge and is adapted to allow the base hinge arm segment to be
displaced relative to the furniture article frame in a direction
parallel to the first pivot axis of the hinge by loosening the
mounting screw.
12. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the first cam screw is rotatable
about a central axis thereof, wherein a projection extends from one
end of the first cam screw parallel to the central axis thereof,
and wherein the projection is radially offset from the central axis
of the first cam screw.
13. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the second cam screw is
rotatable about a central axis thereof, wherein a projection
extends from one end of the second cam screw parallel to the
central axis thereof, and wherein the projection is radially offset
from the central axis of the second cam screw.
14. The hinge of claim 10 wherein, the L-shaped hinge arm segment
further comprises two retaining ramps extending from the slots and
the intermediate hinge arm segment is fixedly-attached to the two
retaining ramps of the L-shaped hinge arm segment via the two
retaining ledges on the intermediate hinge arm segment, the
L-shaped hinge arm segment and the intermediate hinge arm segments
are adjustably connected to the top hinge arm segment with a first
cam screw via the elongated aperture in the top hinge arm segment
and the circular aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm segment and the
circular aperture in the intermediate hinge arm segment.
15. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the intermediate hinge arm
segment has a deflection of between 0 and 3 degrees.
16. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the intermediate hinge arm
segment has a deflection of about 1.5 degrees.
17. The hinge of claim 10, wherein at least one of the top hinge
arm segment, the L-shaped hinge arm segment and base hinge arm
segment further comprise opposing lateral edges and a pair of
opposing side members depending therefrom to define a channel for
receiving the another hinge arm segment.
18. The hinge of claim 17, wherein at least one more of the top
hinge arm segment, the L-shaped hinge arm segment and base hinge
arm segment further comprise opposing lateral edges and a pair of
opposing side members depending therefrom to define a channel for
inserting into the channel of another hinge arm segment.
19. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the base hinge arm segment
further comprises a pair of back legs that rest against a back side
of the furniture article frame and a pair of front legs that rest
against a front side of the furniture article frame to ensure that
the base hinge arm segment remains stable and in position once the
door is attached to the hinge.
20. The hinge of claim 10, wherein the elongated holes on the side
flanges of the base hinge arm segment are open to one end of their
respective opposing side member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to hinge devices for
mounting a door on a furniture article, and more particularly to
adjustable hinge devices for hanging doors on cabinets or the like
so that the doors can be adjusted relative to the supporting frame
they are attached to.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of hinges for mounting a door on a furniture article
such as a desk or cabinet have been used in the furniture and
cabinetry industry for many years. An example of one such device is
known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,622. Many of such devices include
multiple adjustment components making them bulky, difficult to
adjust, quick to wear, and unstable. Typically, one or more screws
must be loosened, an adjustment made manually, and then one or more
screws must be re-tightened to secure the adjustment. Accordingly,
many adjustable hinges may require more than one person to
accomplish the adjustment. Examples of such hinges include those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,295,282, 5,392,493, and 5,511,287.
Improvements to these hinges have been made, such as those depicted
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,599, so that adjustments can be made quickly
and easily by one person. However, further improvements are still
needed so that hinges can be adjusted with greater efficiency and
more precise reliability. To do this, it has been determined that
more refined design engineering is required, and the present
invention addresses this need and interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the above-identified shortcomings of existing
adjustable hinges are overcome by embodiments of the present
invention. The general purpose of the present invention, which will
be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide new and
improved adjustable hinges for mounting a door on a frame of a
furniture article such as a cabinet or desk, that is easily
adjustable for adjusting the door relative to the supporting frame,
and that has all of the advantages of prior art hinges and none of
the disadvantages. The present invention provides a hinge that is
microadjustable, or continuously adjustable in a precise manner,
throughout the range of adjustment provided. Further, the present
invention provides a hinge that enables stable microadjustments by
actuating a single adjustment screw for each directional
adjustment. The components of the hinge remain stably secured to
each other, and to the door and the frame of the furniture article
throughout the adjustment. Adjustment may be accomplished by a
single person without the door becoming unsecured or unstable
relative to the frame of the furniture article.
Some representative embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the drawings. Some embodiments of the hinges of the
present invention make use of a first hinge member in the form of a
cup mountable flush in a bore hole with fastening screws in a known
way in the back of a door, and a second hinge member adapted to be
affixed to a frame. The second hinge member is in the form of a
hinge arm that includes a substantially flat base portion/segment
preferably comprising an opening in the form of an elongated slot
through which a fastening screw can be driven into the frame in a
known way, thereby attaching the hinge to the frame and allowing
adjustments to be made in an up-and-down or vertical direction. The
second hinge member of the present invention may also include
adjustment mechanisms on the hinge arm for allowing adjustments to
be made in a second and/or third direction. One adjustment
mechanism may allow adjustments to be made in an in-and-out,
forward-and-back, or horizontal direction. Another adjustment
mechanism may allow adjustments to be made in another horizontal
direction so that side-to-side adjustments of the door can be
made.
Other embodiments of the hinges of the present invention may have
fewer pieces and therefore may be more economical to manufacture.
These embodiments may make use of a first hinge member in the form
of a cup mountable flush in a bore hole with fastening screws in a
known way in the back of a door, and a second hinge member adapted
to be affixed to a frame. This second hinge member may be in the
form of a hinge arm that includes an L-shaped portion/segment
preferably comprising an opening in the form of an elongated slot
through which a fastening screw can be driven into the frame in a
known way, thereby attaching the hinge to the furniture frame and
allowing adjustments to be made in an up-and-down or vertical
direction. The second hinge member of the present invention may
also include adjustment mechanisms on the hinge arm for allowing
adjustments to be made in a second and/or third direction. One such
adjustment mechanism may allow adjustments to be made in a
horizontal direction so that side-to-side adjustments of the door
can be made.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge for mounting a door on a frame
of a furniture article. This hinge comprises a four piece hinge arm
construction and comprises a hinge cup member adapted to be affixed
to a furniture door; a top hinge arm segment pivotably connected at
its arm end to the hinge cup member and comprising an elongated
aperture and two tabs; a base hinge arm segment comprising an
elongated center hole, a circular aperture and an upper flange; and
an L-shaped hinge arm segment comprising a center hole, a circular
aperture, an elongated aperture, a retaining wall, two grooves and
two flaps, wherein the top hinge arm segment is slideably connected
to the L-shaped hinge arm segment with a first cam screw or an
eccentric screw via the elongated aperture in the top hinge arm
segment and the circular aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment, the base hinge arm segment is adjustably connected to the
L-shaped hinge arm segment via an upper flange on the base hinge
arm segment and a retaining wall on the L-shaped hinge arm segment,
and the base hinge arm segment is slideably connected to the
L-shaped hinge arm segment by a second cam or eccentric screw
cooperating with the elongated aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment and the circular aperture in the base hinge arm segment.
Turning this first cam or eccentric screw causes the L-shaped hinge
arm segment, and therefore the top hinge arm segment since they are
connected together, to move relative to the base hinge arm segment
in a horizontally side-to-side direction, thereby allowing
adjustments to be made to the spacing of the door from the opposite
sides of the cabinet door opening. Turning this second cam or
eccentric screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment to move
relative to the base hinge arm segment in a horizontal in-and-out
direction, thereby allowing adjustments to be made to the alignment
of the front face of the door with respect to the front of the
frame. The elongated center hole in the base hinge arm segment
allows vertical up-and-down adjustments to be made to the door,
thereby allowing adjustments to be made to the spacing of the door
from the top and bottom of the cabinet door opening.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
two-dimensionally adjustable hinge for mounting a door on a frame
of a furniture article. This hinge comprises a three piece hinge
arm construction and comprises a hinge cup member adapted to be
affixed to a furniture door; a top hinge arm segment pivotably
connected at its arm end to the hinge cup member and comprising an
elongated aperture and two tabs; and an L-shaped hinge arm segment
comprising an elongated center hole, a circular aperture, two
grooves and two flaps, wherein the top hinge arm segment is
slideably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm segment with a cam
screw or an eccentric screw via the elongated aperture in the top
hinge arm segment and the circular aperture in the L-shaped hinge
arm segment. Turning this cam screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm
segment to move relative to the top hinge arm segment in a
horizontally side-to-side direction, thereby allowing adjustments
to be made to the spacing of the door from the opposite sides of
the cabinet door opening. The elongated center hole in the L-shaped
hinge arm segment allows vertical up-and-down adjustments to be
made to the door, thereby allowing adjustments to be made to the
spacing of the door from the top and bottom of the cabinet door
opening. Since there is no base hinge arm segment and no second cam
screw in this hinge, this hinge is less expensive to manufacture
than the three-dimensionally adjustable hinge. However, there is no
way to adjust this hinge horizontally in-and-out, so the alignment
of the front face of the door with respect to the front of the
frame cannot be adjusted.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to another
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge for mounting a door on a frame
of a furniture article. This hinge comprises a four piece hinge arm
construction and comprises a hinge cup member adapted to be affixed
to a furniture door; a top hinge arm segment pivotably connected at
its arm end to the hinge cup member and comprising an elongated
aperture and two slots; a base hinge arm segment comprising an
elongated center hole, a circular aperture, an upper flange and two
opposing side members; an intermediate hinge arm segment comprising
a circular aperture and two retaining ledges; and an L-shaped hinge
arm segment comprising a center hole, a circular aperture, an
elongated aperture, a retaining wall, two grooves, two retaining
ramps and two opposing side members, wherein the intermediate hinge
arm segment is fixedly-attached to the two retaining ramps of the
L-shaped hinge arm segment via the two retaining ledges on the
intermediate hinge arm segment, the L-shaped hinge arm segment and
the intermediate hinge arm segments are adjustably connected to the
top hinge arm segment with a first cam screw or an eccentric screw
via the elongated aperture in the top hinge arm segment and the
circular aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm segment and the
circular aperture in the intermediate hinge arm segment, the base
hinge arm segment is adjustably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm
segment via an upper flange on the base hinge arm segment and a
retaining wall on the L-shaped hinge arm segment, the base hinge
arm segment is slideably connected to the L-shaped hinge arm
segment by a second cam or eccentric screw cooperating with the
elongated aperture in the L-shaped hinge arm segment and the
circular aperture in the base hinge arm segment. Turning this first
cam or eccentric screw causes the top hinge arm segment to move
relative to the L-shaped hinge arm segment in a horizontally
side-to-side direction, thereby allowing adjustments to be made to
the spacing of the door from the opposite sides of the cabinet door
opening. Turning the second cam or eccentric screw causes the
L-shaped hinge arm segment to move relative to the base hinge arm
segment in a horizontal in-and-out direction, thereby allowing
adjustments to be made to the alignment of the front face of the
door with respect to the front of the frame. The elongated center
hole in the base hinge arm segment allows vertical up-and-down
adjustments to be made to the door, thereby allowing adjustments to
be made to the spacing of the door from the top and bottom of the
cabinet door opening.
In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the hinge arm
segments further comprises opposing lateral edges from which depend
a pair of opposing side members that define a channel for receiving
another hinge arm segment. More preferably, the opposing lateral
edges are spaced from one another a distance that defines a width
of the hinge arm segment. Most preferably, the opposing side
members are spaced from one another a distance that is at least as
great as the width of another hinge arm segment. For example, in
the first three-dimensionally adjustable hinge discussed above, the
L-shaped hinge arm segment and the base hinge arm segment may both
have opposing side members that define the width of the respective
segments, with the width of the base hinge arm segment being
slightly less than the width of the top hinge arm segment so that
the opposing side members of the base hinge arm segment nest within
the opposing side members of the top hinge arm segment.
In the second three-dimensionally adjustable hinge discussed above,
the L-shaped hinge arm segment and the base hinge arm segment may
both have opposing side members that define the width of the
respective segments, with the width of the base hinge arm segment
being slightly less than the width of the L-shaped hinge arm
segment so that the opposing side members of the base hinge arm
segment nest within the opposing side members of the L-shaped hinge
arm segment. Alternatively, the base, the L-shaped and the top
hinge arm segments of this hinge could all have opposing side
members defining the width of each respective segment, with the
widths of the segments varying so that the opposing side members of
all three hinge arm segments nest together one within another.
The three-dimensional adjustment aspect of some embodiments of the
adjustable hinge of the present invention not only allows
adjustment of the position of a cabinet door vertically up-and-down
relative to the supporting cabinet (i.e., up and down with the door
in the closed position to achieve desired spacing of the door from
the top and bottom of the cabinet door opening) and horizontally
in-and-out relative to the supporting cabinet (i.e., to and fro
with the door in the closed position to achieve desired alignment
of the front face of the door with the front of the cabinet), but
also enables adjustment of the cabinet door horizontally from
side-to-side relative to the supporting cabinet (i.e., from side to
side with the door in the closed position to achieve desired
spacing of the door from the opposite sides of the cabinet door
opening).
Embodiments of the adjustable hinges of the present invention may
also include, for example, a base hinge arm segment comprising an
elongated center hole that extends parallel to the pivot axis of
the hinge. If the hinge includes a base hinge arm segment, the
L-shaped hinge arm segment preferably comprises a center hole that
is somewhat rectangular and larger than the center hole of the base
plate. In embodiments, the base hinge arm segment is adapted to be
fastened on the furniture article frame by at least one mounting
screw inserted, preferably, through the elongated center hole of
the base hinge arm segment, and the elongated center hole in the
base hinge arm segment allows the base hinge arm segment to be
displaced relative to the furniture article frame in a vertical
direction (when the hinge is in its mounted and closed position)
parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge by loosening the single
mounting screw. In other embodiments, the L-shaped hinge arm
segment comprises an elongated center hole that extends parallel to
the pivot axis of the hinge, and the L-shaped hinge arm segment is
adapted to be fastened on the furniture article frame by at least
one mounting screw inserted, preferably, through the elongated
center hole of the L-shaped hinge arm segment, and the elongated
center hole in the L-shaped hinge arm segment allows the L-shaped
hinge arm segment to be displaced relative to the furniture article
frame in a vertical direction (when the hinge is in its mounted and
closed position) parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge by
loosening the single mounting screw.
The cam or eccentric screw is generally mounted in a hinge arm
segment by means of a projection, and then extends through an
elongated opening in another hinge arm segment to hold the two
hinge arm segments together. The cam or eccentric screw is
rotatable about a central axis thereof, and the projection extends
parallel to the central axis of the cam or eccentric screw and is
radially offset therefrom.
In the first three-dimensionally adjustable hinge discussed above,
the first cam or eccentric screw is mounted in the L-shaped hinge
arm segment by means of a projection, and the cam or eccentric
screw then extends through the elongated slot in the top hinge arm
segment. The elongated slot in the top hinge arm segment extends
parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge. Turning this first cam or
eccentric screw causes the top hinge arm segment to be displaced on
the L-shaped hinge arm segment in a direction perpendicular to the
pivot axis of the hinge. There is also a second cam screw in this
hinge, mounted in the base hinge arm segment by means of a
projection, and the cam screw then extends through the elongated
slot in the L-shaped hinge arm segment. The elongated slot in the
L-shaped hinge arm segment extends parallel to the pivot axis of
the hinge. Turning this second cam or eccentric screw causes the
base hinge arm segment to be displaced on the L-shaped hinge arm
segment in another direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the
hinge. The first and second cam screws in this hinge allow
adjustments to be made to the hinge in two different horizontal
directions, each at ninety degrees (90.degree.) to the other.
In the two-dimensionally adjustable hinge discussed above, the
first cam or eccentric screw is mounted in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment by means of a projection, and the cam or eccentric screw
then extends through the elongated slot in the top hinge arm
segment. The elongated slot in the top hinge arm segment extends
parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge. Turning this first cam or
eccentric screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment to be
displaced on the top hinge arm segment in a direction perpendicular
to the pivot axis of the hinge. There is no second cam or eccentric
screw, nor is there a base hinge arm segment in this embodiment of
the present invention. Thus, this embodiment of the present
invention comprises less parts and is thereby, cheaper to
produce.
In the second three-dimensionally adjustable hinge discussed above,
the first cam or eccentric screw is mounted in the L-shaped hinge
arm segment by means of a projection, and the first cam or
eccentric screw then extends through the elongated center hole in
the top hinge arm segment. The first cam or eccentric screw extends
in the other direction through the center hole in the intermediate
hinge arm segment. The elongated center hole in the L-shaped hinge
arm segment extends perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hinge.
The second cam or eccentric screw in this hinge embodiment is
mounted in the base hinge arm segment by means of a projection, and
the cam or eccentric screw then extends through the elongated hole
in the L-shaped intermediate hinge arm segment. The elongated
center hole in this L-shaped intermediate hinge arm segment extends
parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge, as do the elongated
apertures in this base hinge arm segment. Turning this first cam or
eccentric screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment to be
displaced on the top hinge arm segment in a direction perpendicular
to the pivot axis of the hinge. Turning this second cam or
eccentric screw causes the L-shaped hinge arm segment to be
displaced on the base hinge arm segment in a direction
perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hinge.
The foregoing discussion focuses on the more important features of
the invention so that the detailed description that follows may be
better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art
may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional
features of the invention which will be described hereinafter and
which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description and
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and of being carried out in various ways.
It is to be further understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and are not to
be regarded as limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the conception on which this disclosure is based may readily
be used as a basis for designing the structures and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. The
claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions so
long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
From the foregoing summary, it is apparent that an object of the
present invention is to provide a new and improved hinge for
mounting a door on a frame of a furniture article such as a desk or
cabinet which comprises all of the advantages, and more, of prior
art devices and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved hinge for mounting a door on a frame of a furniture
article that is more reliable and functional than those presently
available.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and
sophisticated, precision-made adjustable hinge that is compact,
that can operate reliably and efficiently, and yet enable renewed,
limited adjustments to be made to the mounted door with respect to
the frame of the furniture article.
It is an additional feature and advantage of the present invention
to provide an adjustable hinge with a three-way adjustment aspect,
which enables adjustment of the cabinet door horizontally
in-and-out relative to the supporting cabinet (i.e., to and fro
with the door in the closed position to achieve desired alignment
of the front face of the door with the front of the cabinet),
up-and-down (i.e., up and down with the door in the closed position
to achieve desired spacing of the door from the top and bottom of
the cabinet door opening), and side-to-side (i.e., from side to
side with the door in the closed position to achieve desired
spacing of the door from the opposite sides of the cabinet door
opening).
These, together with other objects of the present invention, along
with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this document.
Embodiments of hinges according to the present invention include
one or more unique aspects. Some embodiments of the present
invention include many, if not all, of the above-mentioned aspects,
but other embodiments may include less than all of the
above-mentioned aspects.
Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention
will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art during
the course of the following description, wherein references are
made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some preferred
forms of the present invention and wherein like characters of
reference designate like parts throughout the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge of the present invention
comprising a three-piece hinge arm construction;
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable hinge shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable hinge shown in FIGS. 1
and 2;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the adjustable hinge shown in FIGS. 1-3,
showing the hinge in an open position;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the adjustable hinge shown in FIGS. 1-4,
showing the hinge in a closed position;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
two-dimensionally adjustable hinge of the present invention
comprising a two-piece hinge arm construction;
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable hinge shown
in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the adjustable hinge shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge of the present invention
comprising an intermediate hinge arm segment;
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable hinge shown
in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the adjustable hinge shown in FIGS.
9 and 10; and
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a two-dimensionally
adjustable hinge of the present invention comprising an
intermediate hinge arm segment.
FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of an intermediate hinge
arm segment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge of
the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a base hinge arm segment and
L-shaped hinge arm segment of an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 is a cut-away view of base hinge arm segment and L-shaped
hinge arm segment of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a base hinge arm segment and
L-shaped hinge arm segment of an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the invention,
reference will now be made to some preferred embodiments of the
present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, and specific
language used to describe the same. Numerous specific details are
set forth below in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
present invention. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in
the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some
or all of these specific details. Therefore, it should be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
hereby intended. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description, not limitation. Any modifications or variations in the
depicted hinges, and such further applications of the principles of
the invention as illustrated herein, as would normally occur to one
skilled in the art, are considered to be within the spirit of this
invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown various views of one
embodiment of a three-dimensionally adjustable hinge 100 of the
present invention comprising a three-piece hinge arm construction.
These hinges may be used to hang a door on a frame 8 of a furniture
article, such as a cabinet. FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of
hinge 100 in an open position (as it would appear when the cabinet
door is open) and FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of hinge
100 in an open position. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of hinge 100
so that all the individual parts of hinge 100 can be more readily
seen and understood. FIG. 4 shows a top view of hinge 100 in an
open position attached to frame 8 and FIG. 5 shows a top view of
hinge 100 in a closed position attached to frame 8.
Hinge 100 comprises a hinge cup 110, a top hinge arm segment 140, a
base hinge arm segment 120 and an L-shaped hinge arm segment 130.
Hinge cup 110 is mountable flush in a bore hole in the back of a
door with fastening screws 117 in a known manner, and includes a
spring 116 so as to facilitate automatic closing of a door once the
hinge has been partially closed. Base hinge arm segment 120 is
adapted to be affixed to a frame 8.
Top hinge arm segment 140 comprises an elongated aperture 142 and
two tabs 145. Base hinge arm segment 120 comprises an elongated
center hole 122, a circular aperture 124 and an upper flange 126.
L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 comprises a center hole 132, a
circular aperture 136, an elongated aperture 134, a retaining wall
133 and two grooves 135.
Top hinge arm segment 140 comprises an arm end pivotably attached
to hinge cup 110 on a pivot axis via hinge pin 119. Top hinge arm
segment 140 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
130 by sliding top hinge arm segment 140 between the flaps 138 and
securing with a first cam or eccentric screw 113 via the elongated
aperture 142 in the top hinge arm segment 140 and the circular
aperture 136 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 130. Base hinge arm
segment 120 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
130 with a second cam or eccentric screw 114 via the elongated
aperture 134 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 and the circular
aperture 124 in the base hinge arm segment 120. Finally, top hinge
arm segment 140 is adjustably connected to L-shaped hinge arm
segment 130 via first cam or eccentric screw 113. First cam or
eccentric screw 113 cooperates with the open-ended elongated
aperture 142 in top hinge arm segment 140 and the circular aperture
136 in L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 to allow horizontally arcing
adjustments to be made (i.e., side to side adjustments).
Three-dimensional adjustments can be made with hinge 100. First,
the elongated center hole 122 in base hinge arm segment 120 accepts
a fastening screw 117, thereby attaching the base hinge arm segment
120 of hinge arm portion 115 to frame 8 while also allowing
vertical up and down adjustments to be made easily so that the
desired spacing of the door from the top and bottom of the cabinet
door opening can be adjusted. Second, when first cam or eccentric
screw 113 is turned, L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 moves relative
to top hinge arm segment 140 in a horizontally arcing direction,
thereby allowing side-to-side adjustments to be made so that the
desired spacing of the doors from the opposite sides of the cabinet
door openings can be adjusted. Third, when second cam screw 114 is
turned, L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 moves relative to base hinge
arm segment 120 in a horizontal in and out direction so that the
desired alignment of the front face of the door with the front of
the cabinet can be adjusted.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, there is shown various views of one
embodiment of a two-dimensionally adjustable hinge 200 of the
present invention comprising a two-piece hinge arm construction.
FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of hinge 200 in an open
position, and FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of hinge 200.
FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of hinge 200 so that all the
individual parts of hinge 200 can be more readily seen and
understood.
Hinge 200 comprises a hinge cup 210, a top hinge arm segment 240,
and an L-shaped hinge arm segment 230. Hinge cup 210 is mountable
flush in a bore hole in the back of a door with fastening screws
217 in a known manner, and includes a spring 216 so as to
facilitate automatic closing of a door once the hinge has been
partially closed. Base hinge arm segment 220 is adapted to be
affixed to a door frame 8.
Top hinge arm segment 240 has an arm end pivotably attached to
hinge cup 210 on a pivot axis via hinge pin 219. Top hinge arm
segment 240 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
230 with a first cam or eccentric screw 213 via the elongated
aperture 242 in the top hinge arm segment 240 and the circular
aperture 236 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 230.
Top hinge arm segment 240 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge
arm segment 230 by sliding the top hinge arm segment 240 between
the flaps 238 on the L-shaped hinge arm segment 230 and securing
with the first cam or eccentric screw 213. First cam or eccentric
screw 213 cooperates with the open-ended elongated aperture 242 in
top hinge arm segment 240 and the circular aperture 236 in base
hinge arm segment 230 to allow horizontally arcing adjustments to
be made (i.e., side to side adjustments).
Only two-dimensional adjustments can be made with hinge 200. First,
the elongated center hole 232 in L-shaped hinge arm segment 230
accepts a fastening screw 217, thereby attaching the L-shaped hinge
arm segment 230 of hinge arm portion 215 to a frame while also
allowing vertical up and down adjustments to be made easily so that
the desired spacing of the door from the top and bottom of the
cabinet door opening can be adjusted. Second, when first cam or
eccentric screw 213 is turned, top hinge arm segment 240 moves
relative to L-shaped hinge arm segment 230 in a horizontally arcing
direction, thereby allowing side-to-side adjustments to be made so
that the desired spacing of the doors from the opposite sides of
the cabinet door openings can be adjusted. Since there is no base
hinge arm segment and no second or eccentric screw in this
embodiment, no horizontal in and out adjustments can be made, so
the desired alignment of the front face of the door with the front
of the cabinet cannot be adjusted.
FIGS. 9-11, show various views of one embodiment of a
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge 300 of the present invention
comprising a four-piece hinge arm construction. FIG. 9 shows a top
perspective view of hinge 300, and FIG. 10 shows a bottom
perspective view of hinge 300. FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of a
three-dimensionally adjustable hinge 300 so that all the individual
parts of hinge 300 can be more readily seen and understood.
FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of a two-dimensionally adjustable
hinge 300 so that all the individual parts of hinge 300 can be more
readily seen and understood.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, hinge 300 comprises a hinge cup 310, a
top hinge arm segment 340, a base hinge arm segment 320 and an
L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 and an intermediate hinge arm
segment 350. Hinge cup 310 is mountable flush in a bore hole in the
back of a door with fastening screws 317 in a known manner, and
includes a spring 316 so as to facilitate automatic closing of a
door once the hinge has been partially closed. Base hinge arm
segment 320 is adapted to be affixed to a frame 8.
Top hinge arm segment 340 comprises an elongated aperture 342 and
two tabs 345. Base hinge arm segment 320 comprises an elongated
center hole 322, a circular aperture 324 and an upper flange 326.
L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 comprises a center hole 332, a
circular aperture 336, an elongated aperture 334, a retaining wall
333 and two grooves 335. Intermediate hinge arm segment 350
comprises a center hole 352 and two retaining ledges 355.
Top hinge arm segment 340 comprises an arm end pivotably attached
to hinge cup 310 on a pivot axis via hinge pin 319. Top hinge arm
segment 340 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
330 with a first cam or eccentric screw 313 via the elongated
aperture 342 in the top hinge arm segment 340 and the circular
aperture 336 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330. Base hinge arm
segment 320 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
330 with a second cam or eccentric screw 314 via the elongated
aperture 334 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 and the circular
aperture 324 in the base hinge arm segment 320. Finally, top hinge
arm segment 340 is adjustably connected to L-shaped hinge arm
segment 330 via first cam or eccentric screw 313. First cam or
eccentric screw 313 cooperates with the open-ended elongated
aperture 342 in top hinge arm segment 340, the circular aperture
336 in L-shaped hinge arm segment 330, and the center hole 352 in
intermediate hinge arm segment 350 to allow horizontally arcing
adjustments to be made (i.e., side to side adjustments).
Intermediate hinge arm segment 350 is connected to L-shaped hinge
arm segment 330 by insertion of the retaining ledges 355 of the
intermediate hinge arm segment 350 into the slots 343 of the
L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 until the retaining ledges 355
extend past the retaining ramps 338. The distance between the inner
edges of the retaining ramps 338 is slightly smaller than the
distance between the retaining ledges 355 such that intermediate
hinge arm segment 350 is kept in place through friction between the
retaining ramps 338 and the retaining ledges 355.
L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 comprises a pair of opposing slots
343 through which the opposing retaining ledges 355 of the somewhat
U shaped intermediate hinge arm segment 350 extend upwardly to
slideably capture the edges of the top hinge arm segment 340. The
intermediate hinge arm segment 350 holds the top hinge arm segment
340 against the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330. The first cam or
eccentric screw 313 is then inserted through the elongated aperture
342 in the top hinge arm segment 340, the circular aperture 336 in
the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 and the center hole 352 in the
intermediate hinge arm segment 350.
Intermediate hinge arm segment 350 is generally U shaped, however
it may have a slight deflection of between 0 and 3 degrees shown as
angle alpha in FIG. 13. In a preferred embodiment angle alpha is
about 1.5 degrees. This creates a level of spring tension between
the retaining ramps 338, retaining ledges 355 and the intermediate
hinge arm segment 350.
Three-dimensional adjustments can be made with hinge 300. First,
the elongated center hole 322 in base hinge arm segment 320 accepts
a fastening screw 317, thereby attaching the base hinge arm segment
320 of hinge arm portion 315 to frame 8 while also allowing
vertical up and down adjustments to be made easily so that the
desired spacing of the door from the top and bottom of the cabinet
door opening can be adjusted. Second, when first cam or eccentric
screw 313 is turned, L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 moves relative
to top hinge arm segment 340 in a horizontally arcing direction,
thereby allowing side-to-side adjustments to be made so that the
desired spacing of the doors from the opposite sides of the cabinet
door openings can be adjusted. Third, when second cam screw 314 is
turned, L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 moves relative to base hinge
arm segment 320 in a horizontal in and out direction so that the
desired alignment of the front face of the door with the front of
the cabinet can be adjusted.
FIG. 12 shows hinge 400. Hinge 400 comprises a hinge cup 410, a top
hinge arm segment 440, an L-shaped hinge arm segment 430 and an
intermediate hinge arm segment 450. Hinge cup 410 is mountable
flush in a bore hole in the back of a door with fastening screws
417 in a known manner, and includes a spring 416 so as to
facilitate automatic closing of a door once the hinge has been
partially closed. L-shaped hinge arm segment 430 is adapted to be
affixed to a furniture frame or other mounting platform. A mounting
screw 417 may be affixed to a furniture frame 8 through the
elongated aperture 434 on the L-shaped hinge arm segment 430.
Top hinge arm segment 440 comprises an arm end pivotably attached
to hinge cup 410 on a pivot axis via hinge pin 419. Top hinge arm
segment 340 is slideably connected to L-shaped hinge arm segment
430 with a first cam or eccentric screw 313 via the elongated
aperture 442 in the top hinge arm segment 440 and the circular
aperture 436 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 430.
Top hinge arm segment 440 is adjustably connected to L-shaped hinge
arm segment 430 via first cam or eccentric screw 413. First cam or
eccentric screw 413 cooperates with the open-ended elongated
aperture 442 in top hinge arm segment 440 and the circular aperture
436 in base hinge arm segment 430 to allow horizontally arcing
adjustments to be made (i.e., side to side adjustments).
Intermediate hinge arm segment 450 is connected to L-shaped hinge
arm segment 430 by insertion of the retaining ledges 455 of the
intermediate hinge arm segment 450 into the slots 443 of the
L-shaped hinge arm segment 430 until the retaining ledges 455
extend past the retaining ramps 438. The distance between the inner
edges of the retaining ramps 438 is slightly smaller than the
distance between the retaining ledges 455 such that intermediate
hinge arm segment 450 is kept in place through friction between the
retaining ramps 438 and the retaining ledges 455.
Intermediate hinge arm segment 450 is generally U shaped, however
it may have a slight deflection of between 0 and 3 degrees shown as
angle alpha in FIG. 13. In a preferred embodiment angle alpha is
about 1.5 degrees. This creates a level of spring tension between
the retaining ramps 438, retaining ledges 455 and the intermediate
hinge arm segment 450.
Only two-dimensional adjustments can be made with this embodiment
of hinge 400. First, the elongated center hole 432 in L-shaped
hinge arm segment 430 accepts a fastening screw 417, thereby
attaching the L-shaped hinge arm segment 430 of hinge arm portion
415 to a frame while also allowing vertical up and down adjustments
to be made easily so that the desired spacing of the door from the
top and bottom of the cabinet door opening can be adjusted. Second,
when first cam or eccentric screw 413 is turned, top hinge arm
segment 440 moves relative to L-shaped hinge arm segment 430 in a
horizontally arcing direction, thereby allowing side-to-side
adjustments to be made so that the desired spacing of the doors
from the opposite sides of the cabinet door openings can be
adjusted. Since there is no base hinge arm segment and no second or
eccentric screw in this embodiment, no horizontal in and out
adjustments can be made, so the desired alignment of the front face
of the door with the front of the cabinet cannot be adjusted.
Referring to all the figures, the first cam or eccentric screws
113, 213, 313, 413 used in this invention may comprise a threaded
portion proximate the head of the screw, and an unthreaded portion
at the other end of the screw. The unthreaded portion engages an
unthreaded circular aperture (i.e., circular aperture 136, 226,
336, 436) in one of the L-shaped hinge arm segments 130, 230, 330,
430 as well as the center hole 352, 452 in intermediate hinge arm
segment 350, 450. The threaded portion then engages the open-ended
elongated aperture 142, 242, 342, 442 in the top hinge arm
segment.
In embodiments of the present invention, the open-ended elongated
apertures 142, 242, 342, 442 have no threads, thereby saving the
secondary operation of threading those openings. Instead of
threading those apertures 142, 242, 342, 442one side of the
aperture may be displaced horizontally in front of the other so as
to receive and match the pitch of the threads on the adjustment
screw 113, 213, 313, 413. The horizontal displacement between the
sides of the elongated apertures 142, 242, 342, 442 are preferably
slightly greater than the horizontal distance between the valleys
on the opposite sides of the adjustment screw threads, thereby
creating tension to hold the adjustment screw 113, 213, 313, 413 in
position. Apertures 142, 242, 342, 442 are purposely elongated so
as to allow the hinge arm portion 115, 215, 315, 415 of the hinges
100, 200, 300, 400 to pivot in an arc as the respective adjustment
screw 113, 213, 313, 413 is turned.
In embodiments of this invention the first cam or eccentric screw
113, 213, 313 ,413 and the second cam or eccentric screw 114, 314,
may be flared at its distal end to hold the cam or eccentric screw
in place.
In some embodiments, at least one of the hinge arm segments further
comprises opposing lateral edges from which depend a pair of
opposing side members that define a channel for receiving another
hinge arm segment. The opposing lateral edges are preferably spaced
from one another a distance that defines a width of the hinge arm
segment. The width of each hinge arm segment is determined so that
the various hinge arm segments can nest together. For example, in
hinge 100, the L-shaped hinge arm segment 130 and the base hinge
arm segment 120 may both have opposing side members 137, 127 that
define the width of the respective segments, with the width of the
base hinge arm segment 120 being slightly less than the width of
the top hinge arm segment 130 so that the opposing side members 127
of the base hinge arm segment 120 nest within the opposing side
members 137 of the L-shaped hinge arm segment 130. Alternatively,
all three of these hinge arm segments 140, 130, 120 could have
opposing side members defining the width of each respective
segment, with the widths of the segments varying so that the
opposing side members of all three hinge arm segments nest together
one within another. Other embodiments of the hinges of the present
invention may be similarly designed to include such opposing side
members.
The three-dimensional adjustment aspect of some embodiments of the
adjustable hinge of the present invention not only allows
adjustment of the position of a cabinet door vertically up-and-down
relative to the supporting cabinet (i.e., up and down in direction
X with the door in the closed position to achieve desired spacing
of the door from the top and bottom of the cabinet door opening)
and horizontally in-and-out relative to the supporting cabinet
(i.e., to and fro in direction Y with the door in the closed
position to achieve desired alignment of the front face of the door
with the front of the cabinet), but also enables adjustment of the
cabinet door horizontally from side-to-side relative to the
supporting cabinet (i.e., from side to side in direction Z with the
door in the closed position to achieve desired spacing of the door
from the opposite sides of the cabinet door opening). Direction Y
comes straight out of the paper in FIG. 1.
In a two-dimensionally adjustable embodiment, the base hinge arm
segment is omitted. In these embodiments the L-shaped hinge arm
segment 230, 430 is adapted to be fastened to the furniture article
8 by at least one fastening screw 217, 417, inserted preferably,
through the elongated center hole 232, 432 in the L-shaped hinge
arm segment 230, 430. In embodiments, the elongated center hole
232, 432 of the L-shaped hinge arm segment 230, 430 is adapted to
allow the L-shaped hinge arm segment 230, 430 top be displaced
relative to the furniture article frame 8 in a vertical
direction.
Embodiments of the three-dimensionally adjustable hinges of the
present invention may also include, for example, a base hinge arm
segment 120, 320 comprising an elongated center hole 122, 322 that
extends parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge 100, 300,
respectively. The L-shaped hinge arm segments 130, 330 preferably
have a center hole 132, 332 that is somewhat rectangular and larger
than the center hole 122, 322 of the base hinge arm segment 120,
320. The top hinge arm segment 140, 340 preferably comprises a
center hole 142, 342 that is also somewhat rectangular and larger
than the center hole 136, 336 of the L-shaped hinge arm segment
130, 330. In embodiments, the base hinge arm segments 120, 320 are
adapted to be fastened on the furniture article frame 8 by at least
one mounting screw 117, 317 inserted, preferably, through the
elongated center hole 122, 322 of the base hinge arm segment 120,
320. In embodiments, the elongated center hole 122, 322 in the base
hinge arm segment is adapted to allow the base hinge arm segment
120, 320 to be displaced relative to the furniture article frame 8
in a vertical direction (when the hinge is in its mounted and
closed position) parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge by
loosening the single mounting screw 117, 317.
The second cam or eccentric screw 114, 314, is generally mounted in
a hinge arm segment by means of a projection, and then extends
through an elongated opening in another hinge arm segment to hold
the two hinge arm segments together. The cam or eccentric screw is
rotatable about a central axis thereof, and the projection extends
parallel to the central axis of the cam or eccentric screw and is
radially offset therefrom.
In hinge 100, the second cam or eccentric screw 114 is mounted in
the circular aperture 124 in base hinge arm segment 120 by means of
a projection, and the second cam or eccentric screw 114 then
extends through the elongated slot 134 in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment 130. The elongated slot 134 in the L-shaped hinge arm
segment 130 extends parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge 100.
Turning this second cam or eccentric screw 114 causes the L-shaped
hinge arm segment 130 to be displaced on the base hinge arm segment
120 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of hinge
100.
In hinge 300, the second cam or eccentric screw 314 (if there is
one) is mounted in the base hinge arm segment 320 by means of a
projection in circular aperture 324, and the second cam or
eccentric screw 314 then extends through the elongated center hole
334 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330. The elongated center
hole 334 in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330 extends
perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hinge 300. Turning this
second cam or eccentric screw 314 causes the L-shaped hinge arm
segment 330 to be displaced on the base hinge arm segment 320 in a
direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of hinge 300 (i.e.,
horizontally in and out).
The base hinge arm segment 120 of the hinge component 100 for
embodiments of the present invention comprises a pair of back legs
123 that rest against a back side of the face of frame 8 and a pair
of front legs 125 that rest against a front side of the face of
frame 8 in a mounted condition of the base hinge arm segment 120.
Legs 123, 125 ensure that the hinge arm portion 115 of the hinge
100 remains stable and in position once the doors are hung from the
hinge 100. The base hinge arm segments 220, 320 of the other
embodiments described herein may also be configured to included
legs like legs 123, 125.
FIGS. 14-17 show another embodiment of the hinge of the present
invention. Hinge 500 comprises a hinge cup 510, a hinge arm portion
515, L-shaped hinge arm segment 530, a first cam or eccentric screw
513, a second cam or eccentric screw 514, and a fastening screw
517. In this embodiment, the hinge further comprises a pin 560 to
facilitate the adjustment of second cam or eccentric screw 514.
L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 comprises two opposing side members
537 which comprise two circular apertures 539 for receiving a pin
560. The base hinge arm segment 520 comprises an elongated aperture
522, two opposing side members 527 which each have an elongated
hole 521 for slideably receiving a pin 560. The pin 560 extends
from one circular aperture 539 on the L-shaped opposing side member
537, through the elongated holes 521 on the base opposing side
members 527 and into the circular aperture 539 on the other
opposing side member 537 on the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the pin 560, and
corresponding apertures in the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 and
base hinge arm segment 520, are preferably located either above or
below the center hole 527 in the base hinge arm segment 520.
Placement of the pin above or below the center hole prevents
interference of the pin with the mounting screw. The shape and size
of the pin will vary depending on the requirements of the
hinge.
This embodiment of the present invention allows the L-shaped hinge
arm segment to slide along the length of the base hinge arm
segment's elongated holes 521 when the second cam or eccentric
screw 514 is rotated. This also provides additional support and
strength to the hinge by slideably securing the base hinge arm
segment 520 to the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530. This allows the
L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 to move in a direction along the
longitudinal axis of the elongated holes 521 on the side members
527. Additionally, the pin restricts motion in directions
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated holes 521
and prevents the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 from becoming
detached form the base hinge arm segment 520.
The embodiment of the present invention comprising a pin 560 to
hold the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 to the base hinge arm
segment 520 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments of
the present invention. The hinge may further comprise an
intermediate hinge arm segment 350 which slideably connects the
hinge arm portion 315 to the L-shaped hinge arm segment 330.
Alternatively, the L-shaped hinge arm segment may further comprise
flaps 138 which slideably connect the hinge arm portion to the
L-shaped hinge arm segment 530. However, in both embodiments, a pin
may be employed to slideably connect the L-shaped hinge arm segment
to the base hinge arm segment.
In another embodiment of the present invention the elongated holes
521 on the base hinge arm segment 520 may be open to the one end of
the base hinge arm segment 520. This allows the base hinge arm
segment 520 to be slideably attached to the L-shaped hinge arm
segment 530 after the pin is positioned through the circular
apertures 539 in the opposing side members 537 of the L-shaped
hinge arm segment 530. This would be desirable, for example, if the
pin 560 was formed an a single piece as part of the L-shaped hinge
arm segment 530.
In another embodiment of the present invention the pin 560 may
comprise different forms, all serving the same basic function, i.e.
to slideably connect the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530 to the base
hinge arm segment 520. In one such variation the pin may be
replaced with two posts that extend from the inner walls of the
opposing side members 537 of the L-shaped hinge arm segment 530.
These posts may be formed as part of the L-shaped hinge arm segment
530 or may be separate pieces that are slid through the circular
apertures in the opposing side members 537 of the L-shaped hinge
arm segment 530.
In the embodiment where there are posts securing the L-shaped hinge
arm portion to the base hinge arm segment, the center of the void
between the L-shaped hinge arms segment and the base hinge arm
segment will be substantially open. This allows the pins or posts
to be placed anywhere along the opposing side members without
interference with the fastening screw extending through the center
hole of the L-shaped hinge arm segment.
In another embodiment of the present invention more than one pin
slideably connects the L-shaped hinge arm segment to the base hinge
arm segment. For example, one pin may be located approximately at
one end of the opposing side member of the base hinge arm segment,
and the other pin located approximately a the other end of the base
hinge arm segment. This configuration will provide additional
stability and strength to the hinge and may be particularly useful
for large hinges or unusually heavy furniture doors.
In an embodiment of the present invention comprising two pins, the
L-shaped hinge arm segment opposing side members will have two sets
of circular apertures for receiving the pin. The base hinge arm
segment may also have two sets of elongated holes for slideably
receiving the two pins. However, in this embodiment it may be
desirable to have only one set of elongated holes each hole
spanning the length of its respective opposing side member in the
base hinge arm segment wherein both pins extend through the same
holes in the opposing side members of the base hinge arm segments.
Similarly, in an embodiment comprising posts instead of pins, two
or more sets of posts may be employed with either one or two sets
of elongated holes to slideably attach the L-shaped hinge arm
segment to the base hinge arm segment.
With respect to the descriptions set forth above, optimum
dimensional relationship of parts of the invention (to include
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use) are deemed readily apparent and
obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in
the specification are intended to be encompassed herein. The
foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of
various embodiments of the invention. Since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and all suitable modifications and
equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims are
deemed within the present inventive concept.
* * * * *